Department of Mathematics 
       and Computer Science
Mathematics Major
 Computer Science Major
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Mathematics

Mathematics is a liberal art fundamental to a true education. It trains students in analytical thinking, and courses are offered with applications to the natural and social sciences. Graduates of the department are active in an extraordinarily wide range of careers.

The department offers both an arts and a science degree. There is a degree program for prospective secondary teachers, and a minor in mathematics and split majors with other disciplines are also available.
 

First Year Schedule

Fall
Spring
Greek Thought (Seminar 20)  Roman, Christian and Medieval Thought (Seminar 20)
Calculus I (Math 27) ** Calculus II (Math 28)
Elective  (Chem 8/9 or Phys 1/2 or CS 21)   Elective (Chem 10/11 or Physics 3/4 or CS 102)
Composition (English 4) 

Argument and Research (English 5)

** Math 13-14 (Calculus with Elementary Functions) may be more appropriate for some students.

 

Major Requirements

A student wishing to major in mathematics should have a strong interest in the field and normally, a background of four years of high school mathematics (two years of algebra, one year of geometry, an done year of analysis or equivalent). Students majoring in Science should be particularly alert to the Language Proficiency requirement.

Mathematics majors fulfill their Area B-Mathematics requirement (the requirement that all SMC student take one semester of college mathematics) with the courses required for the major.
 

Lower Division Requirements for the Major.

Mathematics 27, 28, 29, 30.
 

Upper Division Requirements for the Major.

There are eight upper-division courses required. These must include Math 111, Math 112, Math 150 and Math 193. Math 101 may not be included towards the major.

A candidate for the bachelor of science degree must take in addition either Physics 1, 2 (lab), 3, 4 (lab) and two further course from the following disciplines: biology, chemistry, computer science (exact Computer Science 1), and physics: or Chemistry 8-11 and two further course from the same list of disciplines. Students should contact the Mathematics and Computer Science department for descriptions of split majors with mathematics.
 

Teaching Credential

The major in mathematics has been accepted, with certain modifications, as meeting the academic requirements of the State of California for a teaching credential. Completion of the approved program waives the Praxis and SSAT examinations. It is still necessary to take a sequence of education courses. At Saint Mary's these are available at the graduate level (some may be taken during the senior year). It is important that those thinking of a teaching career consult both the Coordinator of the Subject Matter Preparation Program in Mathematics in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (currently Professor Porter) and with the director of the Single Subject credential program in the School of Education to make sure that all the prerequisites for the credential are fulfilled.
 

Minor Requirements

The minor in mathematics requires Math 27, 28 (Math 29 and/or Math 30 are recommended), and three upper division courses in mathematics, excluding Math 101.
 

Suggested Schedule

Fall January Spring
  First Year  
Collegiate Seminar 20 Elective  Collegiate Seminar 21
 Math 27 (Calculus I)   Math 28 (Calculus II)
English 4 (Composition I)   English 5 (Composition II)
CS 21, Physics 1, Chemistry 8 or Elective   Elective
  Second Year  
Math 29 (Calculus III) Elective Math 30 (Linear Algebra)
Lab Science Upper Division Mathematics
Collegiate Seminar 122 Religion Studies 97
Area Requirement Area Requirement

 
 
 

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Description of Mathematics Degrees
Created September 17, 2000 ---- Last Modified August 13, 2001
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